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Draft:Ibharampur Appavaru

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Sri Ibharampura Appavaru
Idol of Sri Ibharampura Appavaru
Idol of Sri Ibharampura Appavaru at Ibharampura
Born1789
Died1869
Resting placeIbharampura, near Mantralayam, India
Known forDevotion to Sri Raghavendra Swamy, spiritual wisdom, miraculous powers, association with Panchamukhi Pranadevaru
Parent(s)Ahobalacharya and Krishna Bai
    • Sri Ibharampura Appavaru** (1789–1869), born Krishnacharya, was a revered saint and philosopher of the Dvaita tradition of Hinduism. He is widely known for his profound devotion to Sri Raghavendra Swamy of Mantralayam and his spiritual accomplishments, which earned him the affectionate title "Appavaru" (meaning "father" or "revered one"). He lived in Ibharampura, a village near Mantralayam in present-day Andhra Pradesh, India.

Early Life and Divine Grace

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Born to the devout couple Ahobalacharya and Krishna Bai, Krishnacharya's birth was believed to be a blessing from Sri Raghavendra Swamy after his parents' earnest prayers. From a young age, Krishnacharya displayed signs of divine grace, with miraculous events reported even in his infancy, such as his cradle rocking on its own.

Initially, Krishnacharya showed little interest in formal studies or religious practices, much to the dismay of his parents. One day, disheartened by his parents' frustration, the young Krishnacharya retreated to a jungle where he encountered an elderly sage. This sage, later revealed to be "Aswatama Acharya," divinely inscribed letters on Krishnacharya's tongue, leading to a profound spiritual transformation. Following this encounter, Krishnachacharya developed a deep God-consciousness and was blessed with powers to alleviate poverty and counter negative influences.[1]

Spiritual Life and Devotion

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Sri Ibharampura Appavaru became an ardent devotee of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. It is said that he would regularly walk from Ibharampura to Mantralayam to have the darshan (sacred viewing) of Sri Raghavendra Swamy's Moola Brindavana. His devotion was so intense that he was considered a "Raghavendra Chittajnam," one who could understand the inner feelings of Sri Raghavendra Swamy. There are accounts of Sri Raghavendra Swamy himself appearing in dreams of his devotees, indicating his presence in Ibharampura with Appavaru.[1]

Appavaru was also known for his prophetic abilities (Aparokshagnyana) and his unwavering faith. He is credited with performing several miracles, including restoring a bridegroom to life after an untimely death and guiding devotees on the right spiritual path. He took great pleasure in serving pilgrims visiting Mantralayam, often inviting them to Ibharampura and providing them with hospitality. He even facilitated the construction of houses for devotees in Mantralayam.[1]

Among his notable disciples were Sri Vijaya Ramachandra Vittala Dasa and Sri Yogi Narayanacharya, who were greatly influenced by his spiritual wisdom and devotion.[1]

Association with Panchamukhi Pranadevaru

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A significant aspect of Sri Ibharampura Appavaru's life was his profound connection with **Panchamukhi Pranadevaru**, a five-faced form of Hanuman. This deity is highly revered in the Dvaita tradition, particularly due to its association with Sri Raghavendra Swamy, who performed intense penance for twelve years at Panchamukhi, a sacred cave located across the Tungabhadra river from Mantralayam. It is believed that during his penance, Sri Raghavendra Swamy was blessed with the vision of Panchamukhi Hanuman, along with other deities like Kolhapur Mahalakshmi, Lord Venkateswara, and Varaha.[2]

Sri Ibharampura Appavaru's association with Panchamukhi Pranadevaru is particularly highlighted by an event during his visit to Mysore. The then ruler, **Maharaja Mummadi Krishnaraja Wodeyar**, invited Appavaru to his court. During this visit, Appavaru, with his divine insight, instructed the king to excavate a specific spot in the palace. To everyone's astonishment, after digging about six feet deep, a beautiful silver idol of Panchamukhi Pranadevaru was unearthed. This idol was believed to have been worshipped by the Pandavas. Appavaru expressed his desire to worship this idol, and the Maharaja gladly gifted it to him. Since then, this sacred Panchamukhi Pranadevaru became the *aaradhya deiva* (worshipped deity) of Sri Ibharampura Appavaru, and he carried it with him, performing regular worship. This very idol is still worshipped in Ibharampura today by his descendants.[3][4] This event further solidified Appavaru's spiritual eminence and his deep connection to the divine manifestations revered by Sri Raghavendra Swamy.

Legacy

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Sri Ibharampura Appavaru attained haripada (passed away) in 1869 on Shravana Masa Shukla Paksha Tritiya. His Aradhana (death anniversary) is observed annually, attracting numerous devotees who continue to seek his blessings. His life exemplifies deep devotion, spiritual insight, and selfless service, leaving a lasting impact on the Madhwa tradition.[1]

References

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  1. ^ a b c d e "Sri Ibharampura Appavaru – ಶ್ರೀ ಇಭರಾಮಪುರ ಅಪ್ಪಾವರು". madhwamrutha.org. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  2. ^ "Panchamukhi Anjaneya Temple, Mantralayam - Timings, Festivals, History, Darshan, Pooja Timings". Trawell.in. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  3. ^ "Ibharamapurada appavaru - Sumadhwa Seva". Sumadhwa Seva. Retrieved 2025-07-08.
  4. ^ "Sri Ibharampura Appavaru – ಶ್ರೀ ಇಭರಾಮಪುರ ಅಪ್ಪಾವರು". madhwamrutha.org. Retrieved 2025-07-08.

Category:Dvaita philosophers Category:Indian saints Category:Hindu gurus Category:18th-century Indian people Category:19th-century Indian people